UMGC, USMx: Instructional Design and Technology: Learning Theories

About this course

Technology, digital media and mobile access have changed how people learn. Today’s students want to be engaged and self-directed with digital content, available anytime, anywhere. This is a challenge for instructional designers as they create online learning experiences.

As an instructional designer, it’s critical to understand emerging learning theories including Bloom’s taxonomy and constructivism and how they relate to the way people learn in our digitally connected world. This course, which is part of the Instructional Design and Technology MicroMasters Program, explores the evolution of learning theories from traditional Socratic methods to emerging learning sciences. Additionally, you will explore curriculum design models using performance-based assessments to create effective and engaging learning experiences.

After a solid foundation of how people learn today, you will explore technology’s role in supporting and enhancing the teaching and learning process.

Previous background in teaching or professional development is a plus, but not required. Join us and launch your career as an instructional designer.

This course is part of the Instructional Design and Technology MicroMaster’s program from UMGC. Upon completion of the program and receipt of the verified MicroMaster’s certificate, learners may then transition into the full UMGC Master’s Program in Learning Design and Technology. See the MicroMasters program page for more information.

At a glance

  • Institutions: UMGCUSMx
  • Subject: Education & Teacher Training
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Prerequisites: The program content and course projects are sequential, allowing the learner to build on subsequent work. Completing LDT100x is highly recommended before completing LDT200x-400x coursework. Basic experience in word processing and G Suite and a background in teaching, education, or professional development are helpful but not required.
  • Language: English
  • Video Transcript: English
  • Associated programs: MicroMasters® Program in Instructional Design and Technology

Details

  • 8 weeks, 8–10 hours per week
  • Instructor-paced, instructor-led on a course schedule
  • Free, optional upgrade available

What you’ll learn

  • To apply learning theories and their impact in the design of online learning
  • Technology’s role in the teaching and learning process
  • Curriculum design and how to apply Bloom’s taxonomy to engage students in the learning process
  • To write effective performance assessments and scoring rubrics

Ways to take this course

Who can take this course?

Unfortunately, learners residing in one or more of the following countries or regions will not be able to register for this course: Iran, Cuba and the Crimea region of Ukraine. While edX has sought licenses from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to offer our courses to learners in these countries and regions, the licenses we have received are not broad enough to allow us to offer this course in all locations. edX truly regrets that U.S. sanctions prevent us from offering all of our courses to everyone, no matter where they live.